The world is celebrating women – it is a global salute officially acknowledged by the United Nations in 1977.
Originating from the labour movements in North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, this day commemorates the achievements of women and underscores the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration but a call to action, emphasizing the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women worldwide.
The United Nations Organization emphasizes that achieving gender equality and promoting women’s well-being is now more critical than ever to fostering prosperous economies and a healthy planet.
UNO has outlined five pivotal elements to advance women’s participation: Investing in women as a human rights issue, ending poverty, implementing gender-responsive financing, shifting to a green economy and care society, and supporting feminist change-makers.
On this International Women’s Day, the UNO urges global unity to transform challenges into opportunities and collectively shape a better future for all.
In an interview with RGGNEWS, a lawyer and gender activist, Angela Dwamena Aboagye PhD, says International Women’s Day recognizes women’s contributions, with varying historical perspectives depending on how societies view women in roles such as politics, motherhood, and co-workers.
The counsellor and public speaker says it is a day to acknowledge the worth, work, and contribution of women.
On Ghana’s progress, she acknowledges strides made since the establishment of the National Council on Women and Development and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
However, she highlights persistent challenges, particularly in women’s participation in public leadership and politics, expressing concern about the low representation from the district assembly level, and parliament, among others.
On the education sector, Angela Dwamena Aboagye notes that while parity has been achieved at the primary level, attention is needed as the numbers shift at higher levels.
In healthcare, the departure of nurses has left a notable gap in services.
Initiatives like the Girls Education Unit, STEM Unit, investment in maternal mortality reduction, and the pending affirmative bill contribute positively to improving women’s participation.
Addressing challenges, Angela Dwamena Aboagye points to cultural issues where gender biases persist but notes a gradual positive change.
She emphasizes the importance of deliberate actions to reshape mindsets and calls for intentional efforts, citing the examples of prominent women like former Chief Justice Theodora Wood, former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, and current Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Abena Amoah, Patricia Obo-Nai, and Sophia Awaji as models of integrity.
Drawing inspiration from countries like Rwanda, she advocates for deliberate efforts to change the narrative.
She concludes by urging young women to recognize their intrinsic worth and potential, emphasizing the importance of focus and determination to overcome challenges and restrictions in the pursuit of goals.
